Eileen (Essinger) Francis, 72, of Palm City, passed away Friday, June 19, 2026 with her family by her side. 

She was born to Jane Essinger and the late Joseph Essinger in Camden, NJ. Eileen graduated from Southern Regional High School, Manahawkin, NJ, in 1972 and received her Bachelor’s degree from Madison College (now James Madison University) in 1976. 

Eileen was an elementary school teacher until she retired in 2009 after 33 years at Oxycocus Elementary in her hometown of Manahawkin, NJ. She taught basic skills, kindergarten, first grade and second grade (her favorite grade) and was passionate about helping her students, especially with reading and writing skills. She was honored with the Teacher of the Year award in 1999 and participated in the Young Author’s Conference for many years. She later relocated to Florida in 2016. 

Eileen was an active member of Covenant Fellowship Church. She enjoyed serving her community through multiple local ministries including the Disaster Relief Ministry with Covenant Fellowship, the Contagious Compassion Ministry, as well as serving meals to the hungry through Our Community Table Ministry, with Grace Place Church. She also spent many years volunteering with the Love and Hope In Action (LAHIA) Ministry, Martin County Library Bookstore and Lyric Theater as an usher. 

Eileen loved music in many forms. She rang handbells in multiple bell choirs and sang Alto in former church choirs. She also played flute in the All-South Jersey Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble, and marching band during high school, later performing in concert groups and solos at church. 

Eileen loved to travel and visited many National Parks, took several reunion trips to the beach with her college roommates, and cherished annual infamous girl’s trips with her life-long best friend of nearly 70 years, Mary Jane, the majority of which to Washington D.C. beginning in 1998. 

Eileen is survived by her daughter Hillary. She is also survived by her mother, Jane, and brothers, Andy and Steve. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Love and Hope In Action (LAHIA) Ministry.